Takoma Park Archives - Page 37 of 61

Rolling Terrace ES Wins $5,000 Library Grant

Published May 20, 2023 at 3:40PM

Rolling Terrace Elementary School in Takoma Park was one of 300 schools in 36 states to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded $1.5 million in library grants. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.

“We can’t wait to get audio books and more engaging nonfiction books added to our collection with this grant,” said Greg D’Addario, Rolling Terrace media specialist.

Hampshire Tower Apartments Secure $370K Loan to Install 159 kW Solar Array

By MCS Staff

Published May 16, 2023 at 4:34PM

Hampshire Tower Apartments, a 216-unit affordable high-rise multifamily building located in Takoma Park, has secured a $370,000 Small Business Energy Savings Support (“SBESS”) loan by the Montgomery County Green Bank and City First Enterprises. “Hampshire Tower Apartments is making significant improvements to its energy footprint, and solar is one of the measures it is using to get there.”

The 159 kw solar array, installed by Solar Energy Services, will offset approximately $25,000 in energy costs per year and generate an additional $5,000 in SREC revenue for Hampshire Tower Apartments. Not only will the solar PV system mitigate 130 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year, it will also produce a positive net cash flow for the property that will help maintain the affordability of energy costs of residents for years to come.

Free Bike Repair Pop-Up Coming to Crossroads Farmers Market May 24

By MCS Staff

Published May 15, 2023 at 9:39AM

On Wednesday, May 24th, in celebration of National Bike Month, the Planning Division will be tabling at the Crossroads Farmers Market from 12:00-2:00 pm. In addition to free bike safety swag, Upshift Workshop will be providing free basic bike repairs on-site, on a first come-first serve basis, rain or shine. “We want to make sure our local bike riders are road ready now that the good weather is back!”

About Crossroads Farmers Market: Crossroads Farmers Market in Takoma Park, Maryland, is a lively community gathering space for people of all backgrounds and incomes, where families, foodies, neighbors, gardeners, live-music fans, and coffee lovers meet every Wednesday afternoon to eat lunch and stock up on fresh ingredients for the week ahead. This producers-only farmers market features a range of vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, coffee, flowers and plants, Central American herbs like chipilín, and tasty prepared foods, as well as food demos and tastings, kids’ activities, live music, free health screenings, and other seasonal events. On average, produce travels just 60 miles from area farms to our market, and our vendors collectively cultivate 368 agricultural acres of fresh food.

Police Investigate Sunday Evening Gas Station Shooting

By MCS Staff

Published May 14, 2023 at 9:40PM

Per Takoma Park Police; At approximately 5:52 pm, a shooting occurred in the 900 block of East West Highway (Crown gas station). Upon police arrival, one male adult was suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital; condition unknown at this time. This investigation is active and fluid. Officers are canvassing the area. More info will follow when the PIO is updated.

If you witnessed this shooting, or you have any information about this case, please contact the Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Takoma Park Receives $60,000 Grant To Study Streetery Traffic Impacts

By MCS Staff

Published May 3, 2023 at 8:22AM

City Award $60,000 to Study Laurel Avenue Streetery Traffic Impacts: Since early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Laurel Avenue Streetery has offered a popular, public gathering space in the heart of Old Takoma, where previously there was none. The temporary closure was so popular that in 2022, the City Council voted to extend its existence indefinitely.

On Thursday, April 20, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) awarded the City of Takoma Park a $60,000 Transportation-Land Use Connection program technical assistance grant to conduct a traffic study on the streets surrounding Laurel Avenue. The study will look at traffic impact scenarios for a full, permanent, or semi-permanent closure of both sides of Laurel Avenue. It will look at the potential impacts on vehicle traffic flow, emergency vehicle access, cut-through traffic, and any roadway or signal redesigns that would be necessary to accommodate the reconfiguration. The idea to close both sides of Laurel Avenue to create a large, dedicated pedestrian plaza builds on conceptual design work being conducted by the Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA).

Montgomery County Man Charged With Fatal Shooting That Occurred in February

By MCS Staff

Published May 2, 2023 at 10:31PM

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit identified and charged a man in connection with a fatal shooting in February. The suspect is 25-year-old Luis Marquez of Silver Spring. He’s charged with murdering 38-year-old Maurice Chase Jr. of Takoma Park.

Per PGCPD: On February 20, 2023, at approximately 12:40 am, officers responded to the 6700 block of New Hampshire Avenue for a shooting in the unincorporated section of Takoma Park. Officers located the victim inside of an apartment building suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he died several hours later. The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect shot the victim during an altercation. Marquez is charged with first and second degree murder and additional charges. He is in custody of the Department of Corrections. Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512.

Air Bag Crime Prevention Information and Tips

By MCS Staff

Published April 30, 2023 at 8:30PM

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) estimates roughly 50,000 air bags are stolen each year, resulting in an annual loss of more than $50 million to owners and insurance companies. Hondas are the most common target of thieves, because their air bags can be removed in as little as 30 seconds.

Air bags are easy to steal and hide. Thieves resell the stolen air bags on the black market or on internet websites. Unscrupulous collision repair shops purchase the stolen air bags for between $50 to $200 each—which is cheaper than the $1,000 price tag at a dealership—in order to turn a profit, according to the NICB. Some tips to avoid falling victim to air bag thieves, by Takoma Park Police:

Assistance Needed in Locating 39-Year-Old Missing Man

By MCS Staff

Published April 27, 2023 at 7:29PM

Police is asking for assistance in locating a missing 39-year-old man, Christopher Brown. Brown has been missing since Tuesday, April 25th at approximately 11am and was last seen on the 7500 block of Maple Avenue in Takoma Park.

He is a black male, approximately 6’2 and 160 lbs, light skin complexion, mostly bald with an unshaven face. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt over a black long sleeve shirt and dark colored pants. Brown was also last seen driving a 2009 Hyundai Somata with Maryland license plates. If you can help locate him, please call 301-270-1100 or text tip411.

Juveniles Involved in Stolen Auto and Attempted Stolen Auto

By MCS Staff

Published April 27, 2023 at 7:20PM

Per Takoma Park Police: On April 25 at approximately 5:31 pm on Wednesday, Takoma Park Police responded to the unit block of Hickory Avenue for an auto theft in progress. Arriving officers interrupted four juveniles as they attempted to steal a red Hyundai. The vehicle window was already broken, and the ignition was punched out.

Two of the juveniles jumped into another blue Hyundai, reversed into the red one they were trying to steal, and fled the area making good their escape. The remaining two juveniles attempted to flee on foot but were immediately apprehended by responding officers. They were identified as 14-year-old juveniles who were later released into the custody of their parents.

Takoma Park to Hold “SweeperStakes” Naming Contest

By MCS Staff

Published April 26, 2023 at 6:48AM

Conceptual symbol of multiracial human hands making a circle on white background with a copy space in the middle

The City of Takoma Park is hosting an EV Sweeper Open House this Thursday, April 27, at 10:00 am at the Community Center at 7500 Maple Avenue to launch the naming contest “SweeperStakes.” Per the event: Come mingle with Mayor Searcy, Councilmembers, and the former Mayor Kate Stewart and former Councilmembers. The EV Sweeper was purchased through Atlantic Machinery, and Sales Rep. Trevor Gardner will be on hand to answer questions.

The City has recently purchased a RAVO 5 Series electric sweeper and wants to give residents a chance to name the sweeper. The winner of the contest will have the opportunity:

Gaithersburg/Takoma Park Police Departments Each Collect Over 120 Pounds of Prescription Drugs

By MCS Staff

Published April 25, 2023 at 7:01AM

The Gaithersburg and Takoma Park Police Departments have each announced a successful “Prescription Drug Take Back Day’ that took place on Saturday, April 22nd. Residents had the opportunity to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs by bringing unused medications to the police station for disposal.

Though all police departments in Montgomery County participated in taking back prescription drugs, Gaithersburg Police and Takoma Park Police announced that they collected 135lb and 123lb of prescription drugs, respectively. Both police departments, along with Rockville Police, collect prescription drugs year-round. Additional year-round disposal sites can be seen below: